Abuja — As security analysts question the true motive behind recent U.S. military action in Nigeria, U.S. President Donald Trump has said American forces carried out strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in the country’s northwest, citing attacks on Christians amid worsening insecurity.
In a post on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, Trump said the operation targeted ISIS fighters he accused of “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”
“The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” Trump wrote. He added a Christmas message that included a warning that further attacks would result in additional U.S. military action.
Motive Under Scrutiny
The stated rationale for the strike has drawn skepticism from Nigerian security experts and residents, particularly in Sokoto State, where the targets were reportedly located.
Retired Nigerian Air Force officer and security analyst, Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (rtd), is among those questioning the true motive of the operation. He called for urgent clarification from relevant authorities, especially regarding the reported selection of Jabo, a community in Sokoto State.
He urged authorities to provide:
- A transparent explanation—within security limits—of the intelligence basis for the strike
- Clear assurances on civilian harm mitigation
- Verification and accountability mechanisms to assess potential collateral damage
“People in Sokoto are not dismissing security threats,” Shehu said. “They are asking for logic, evidence, and accountability.”
Across the state, a recurring question continues to surface:
Why Jabo? Why Sokoto, of all places in a country grappling with terrorism in multiple regions? Was this a symbolic strike on what some consider the historical ‘seat of the Caliphate’?
Pentagon Releases Video
The Pentagon later released video footage appearing to show a missile being launched from a U.S. warship. Officials did not immediately disclose details on casualties or the extent of damage caused by the strike.
According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the targets were located in Sokoto State. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation” following the operation.
Rising Violence in Nigeria
The strike comes amid growing security challenges in Africa’s most populous country, particularly in the north and northeast, where Islamist militant groups remain active.
Boko Haram, which originated in Nigeria, along with Islamic State–affiliated factions, has intensified attacks in recent weeks. Mass abductions from churches and schools have heightened fear and unrest among local populations.
Earlier this month, Trump warned that Washington could intervene if attacks on Christians continued, urging the Nigerian government to prevent further bloodshed or risk reduced U.S. aid.
Despite those warnings, violence has persisted. On Thursday, a suicide bombing in northeastern Nigeria killed at least five people and injured 35 others, according to a police spokesperson.
Limited Details on Casualties
U.S. officials have not released figures on the number of militants killed in the strike, and Nigerian authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive public response.
As questions linger over intelligence, targeting, and civilian impact, the situation remains fluid, with Nigeria continuing to battle multiple insurgent groups across several regions.
